EFAO is hiring a Field Crop Coordinator
Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) is seeking a motivated and outgoing individual to join our staff as Field Crop Coordinator. For over 40 years, EFAO has helped farmers build resilient ecological farms and grow a strong knowledge sharing community through farmer-led education, research and community building.
This new position will work with EFAO staff, farmers and external partners to develop and deliver a new program to support extended rotations including small grains and forage legumes. The position will support field crop farmers and connect with Ontario’s supply chain stakeholders to grow ecological agriculture in Ontario. This position is funded by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.
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Position Details
Position: Field Crop Coordinator
Location: Guelph, Ontario
Employment type: 30 hours/week
Start date: April 15, 2020 (flexible)
Duration: up to 2 years with possibility of continuation
Salary: $40,000/year
Application deadline: EXTENDED TO March 31, 2020, 5pm EST
Responsibilities
The Field Crop Coordinator will work with EFAO’s Research Director and Education Director to complete the following tasks:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of other incentive programs focused on extended rotations across Canada, the US and internationally.
- Seek feedback from Ontario farmers and other stakeholders through focus groups.
- Implement a pilot incentive program for 5-10 farmers to adopt small grain(s) + summer legume cover crop or perennial forage legumes.
- Organize and deliver farmer-to-farmer training opportunities around extending crop rotations, including workshops, field days, and webinars.
- Conduct outreach around extending crop rotations by exhibiting at sector events, organizing on-farm events for supply chain stakeholders, and writing e-newsletter and print newsletter articles.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Characteristics
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture is preferred – or equivalent experience in agriculture or related field. Individuals with different professional backgrounds and degrees who have knowledge and passion for the work are also encouraged to apply
- Knowledge of field crops across the spectrum of production methods (i.e. organic and conventional)
- Experience organizing educational events such as workshops
- Experience writing outreach materials
- Comfortable working with a broad community of farmers and stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills, including writing and speaking
- Creative problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail
- Self-motivated and outgoing; willing to initiate contact with farmers, landowners and agriculture professionals
- An understanding of Ontario agriculture and related issues
- Ability to work well with others and build partnerships
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage several tasks at once
- Some off-site and weekend work required
- Valid driver’s license required
Other Assets
- Specific knowledge of small grains and forage legumes
- Connected with Ontario field crop farmers
- Experience with different social media platforms
- Experience working or volunteering with non-profit organizations
EFAO Offers
- An equal opportunity employer
- A family-friendly work culture
- Contributions to a Health Savings Account
- Generous paid time off
Application
Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume or CV to Sarah Hargreaves at jobs@efao.ca by March 31, 2020.